Japan hit by heaviest snowfall since 2014

Japan hit by heaviest snowfall since 2014

Tokyo saw its heaviest snow in four years on Monday, with authorities urging evening commuters to hurry home and prompting those behind the wheel to brace for traffic disruptions.

Snow began falling on Monday morning, with as much as 10 cm (4 inches) predicted for central Tokyo by the time it is expected to stop early on Tuesday. By 7:00 p.m., 16 cm (6.3 inches) had fallen in central Tokyo as the snowfall intensified, national broadcaster NHK said.

The Transport Ministry of Japan issued an “emergency” announcement urging people to refrain from leaving their homes unless necessary.

Owing to icy roads, train services were curtailed, some highways were closed and scores of flights were cancelled.

Meantime, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings called for households and corporations to save power as electricity demand rises when the temperature falls.